Johnson, playing in the Phoenix this week, was speaking the truth. Her view came after nearly a month of playing in Australia and Asia, illustrating the globe-trotting trek which is the LPGA.

Home is living out of a suitcase when chasing a dimpled ball and a career where you're rewarded if smacking it just right.

Johnson's in her third season, ranked No. 96. After a career-best finish of 11th at last year's Navistar Classic, she seeks more.

“There is still a lot of improvement I can make,'' said Johnson, 22, who had an impressive amateur run. “This year I just need to improve my putting stats and maybe I'll get a few more higher finishes.''

Johnson made this year's first two cuts. Of her 23 tournaments in '12, she missed the line but three times.

“It wasn't like she was lucky to finish where she did because she left something on the table, leaving a few putts short,'' Mike said. “So that is a silver lining. You know she can kind of move up from there.''

Even if Johnson never moved out of the family digs near La Costa's No. 13 on its old South Course.

“With her schedule, there is no need in her getting her own place,'' Mike said. “She would never be there.''

What she needs is someone on her bag. Among Johnson's issues is finding the right caddy, an endeavor that has a fresh candidate this week.

Johnson went through seven caddies last season and is on her second this year. When it was suggested her father carry the sticks, Johnson rebelled.

“That wouldn't work,'' she said, shooting a smile at Mike.

He returned the grin, and the assertion.

“That is toughest thing out here on tour is finding a consistent caddy,'' he said. “We were looking at the putting green at the end of last year and said, 'Who has the caddy they started the year with?' and it's the same five players each year. If you look around, the caddies are always switching.

“We would like to have someone who can pick up that she played her last shot a little back in her stance, things like that. She hasn't had that yet.''